On the hunt for one of the best perfumes for women? Picking a new fragrance can seem daunting at first, but nothing compares to that feeling when you finally get a whiff of The One. When it comes to scent, you don’t think, you feel.
If you're not quite sure where to begin, you're in luck. The beauty team has tested a myriad of long-lasting perfumes over the years, from intense ouds to the best rose perfumes and the best Dior perfumes – making finding your next signature scent as easy as one, two, spritz.
With such a hold over our feelings and personal experiences, it's no surprise that the best perfumes for women is one of the most subjective topics in beauty, as personal as, say, your favourite food or go-to romcom. We can objectively agree that the best foundation should look like your skin, only better; but what makes a fragrance "the best" and worthy of a spot in our top 18?
We've included a mix of niche brands that are loved by cool-girl celebs and Beauty Editors, budget crowd-pleasers such as the best Zara perfumes, as well as a few notable new launches we think will make future classics for good measure. If you think it's time to update your signature scent, you'll hit the right note with one of our below picks of the all-time best perfumes for women.
The best perfumes for women, as chosen by our experts
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RRP: £110 | Notes: Rose, Geranium, Palmarosa, Honey, Moss, Patchouli
This amber floral is all about the classic rose, from the dusty pink-coloured juice to the floral top and heart notes. What strikes you about this fragrance is how natural it smells. It evokes childhood memories of plucking garden rose petals to bathe in water to create a personalised perfume concoction. This is no powdery, fuddy-duddy floral blend—it is delicate and elegant, and a sure-fire hit with fans of rose scents.
Who should wear it: Those who want an aesthetically pleasing, Rose-forward scent that's long-lasting
RRP: £55 | Notes: Pear Blossom, Jasmine, Gardenia, Brown Sugar, Patchouli
If you’re looking for a safe bet scent, this is it. It’s classed as a white floral fragrance and hinges on the white gardenia flower. But it’s the pear blossom note that strikes on first spritzing. The dry down is given a creamy sweetness from sweet brown sugar accords. It’s a pretty scent, not especially long-lasting, but certainly joy-filled and pleasantly simple. If you are worried about how to buy fragrance online without smelling it this is the sort of scent that you could quite happily buy blind for a friend or relative, safe in the knowledge that they would gratefully receive.
Who should wear it: Anyone who is into sweet scents, and doesn't mind that it doesn't last as long because it has a pretty bottle
RRP: £84 for 100ml | Notes: Lemon, Pink Pepper, Mandarin Orange Guava, Freesia, Cassis, Jasmine, Clearwood, Musk.
The misty, cerulean blue bottle hints at what lies within a watery, fresh-smelling scent, suggestive of exotic crystal clear waters. Citrus notes will galvanize the mind like no other accord. Just think about what happens when someone unpeels an orange in a crowded train carriage—it cuts through the room like a knife. The top notes work in the same way here. Lemon and mandarin orange slice through a foggy mind, immediately enlivening the senses. The heart and base notes continue this olfactory escape to a distant isle, with an aqueous, youthful effect. It might not have the most longevity, but if fresh and sparkling is your fragrance bag, then spritz with abandon.
Who should wear it: Those who are looking for a clean but evocative, mood boosting scent
RRP: £58 for 30ml Notes: Italian Mandarin, Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, Patchouli, Musk
Don’t let the ‘Miss’ fool you. This is no frothy teen scent, in fact, it's generally regarded to be one of the best Dior perfumes of all time. It’s a mysterious and sensual floral fragrance, which has been masterfully blended to create an elegant, luxurious, and ladylike juice. The mandarin is a fleeting accord, and soon makes way for the soothing, intoxicating jasmine heart. This is a fragrance with great projection—you’ll make an entrance before even stepping foot in the room. It has a cosseting, musky warmth, which makes it great for bedtime, and equally an effervescence that plays well on balmy summer days.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a long-lasting, luxury scent.
RRP: £48 for 50ml | Notes: Italian Mandarin, Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, Patchouli, Musk
For whatever reason, if an exotic holiday is off the cards, let this tropical scent inject that wanderlust spirit into your fragrance wardrobe. Pleasingly affordable, as perfume goes, this is definitely one of the best cheap perfumes that still looks and smells like a luxe designer scent. It’s lighter than your average eau de parfum, but it works with its light and airy holiday vibe. The warm and tropical blend of coconut, vanilla, and amber will transport you to sunnier climes, cocktail in hand, sand between toes. It is pure summer in a bottle. So much so it feels rebellious to spritz it in colder climes. But then rules are made to be broken, so there's no need to shove this in a drawer for half the year and then frantically google do perfumes expire the next time you want to wear it. You do you.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a summery scent, that light, airy and feels like holiday in a bottle
RRP: £75 for 100ml | Notes: Pear, Mandarin Orange, Green Notes, Orange, Toffee and Patchouli
If ever a fragrance could come to embody the unbridled glamour and femininity of a Jimmy Choo stiletto, it’s this, the debut fragrance from the fashion house, which launched in 2011. Part daring, part sensual, refreshing in summer, cosseting in winter, it’s a fragrance that quite understandably earned mass appeal. It’s classed as a fruity gourmand, the latter referring to synthetic edible notes. The juice is warm, creamy, and confident with notes of exotic tiger orchid, patchouli and sweet toffee.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a popular fragrance that comes at a reasonable price point, is long lasting and smells good enough to eat
RRP: £141 for 50ml | Notes: Violet Accord, Cardamom, Iris, Papyrus, Ambrox, Cedarwood, Leather, Sandalwood
This unisex scent launched in 2011 and became an underground smash, beloved by Beauty Editors and cool girl celebs, like Alexa Chung. Its cult status was cemented when the New York Times referred to it as “the perfume your smell everywhere.” It fuses sweeter notes of iris and violet with deep yet comforting leathery, smoky and musky accords. You will still have the pleasure of smelling this scent for hours after applying it, heck, even the following day depending on your personal bathing routine.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a stand out scent, with unisex appeal (biggest trend of the year FYI)
RRP: £53.50 for 35ml | Notes: Blood Orange, Ginger, Tuberose, Pimento Leaf, Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Tangy blood orange and accents of ginger read a little ‘Christmassy’ but this amber-floral has broad appeal beyond the festive season. Having said that, the warm and spicy profile does seem to suit the colder months. It’s a powerful and sensual number that leaves a trail of sandalwood, evoking the cosy, warmth of being sat in front of a log fire in the middle of winter.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a comforting, winter scent with great staying power
RRP: £62 for 35ml | Notes: Orange, Bergamot, Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa, Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli, White Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Opoponax
This is a perfume that fills the room. It has fantastic sillage and impressive staying power. We got a whiff when we threw on a coat we’d worn a week earlier. It’s the combination of sweet, citrus top notes and deep patchouli, vanilla, and white musk that make this a clean and classic yet spicy scent that feels appropriate at any time of day, spans the seasons, and has an ageless appeal.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a classic, chic clean scent, that can be worn day and night (and will last that long too).
RRP: £6 for 30ml | Notes: Fresh bergamot, Lemon, Orange flower, White flowers, Cardamom, Cedar and Amber musks
Don't be fooled by the low price of M&S's Discover scents, this fragrance smells way more expensive than it's £6 price tag. Spicy with fresh notes of bergamot, lemon and orange with a cedar base that lingers. If you're looking for an affordable scent to layer, or have in your bag as a back up, you'll want to try this.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a cosy, warming scent that is affordable with chic minimalist packaging.
RRP: £64 for 30ml| Notes: Pear, Blackberry, Pallida Iris Concrete, Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac Absolutes, Heart of Patchouli Essence.
La Vie est Belle is French for 'life is beautiful', which is the best way to describe this fragrance. A scent that is instantly uplifting and appreciated in every room you walk into. Trust us, you'll have strangers asking what you're wearing. This is nothing like your typical floral fragrance with top notes of pear, iris in the middle and Patchouli as the base notes. It's a best-selling, signature scent for a reason; if you've yet to smell this, this is your sign. It's gourmand yet chic and will last all day (and night) long. Plus, it's been re-launched in a refillable bottle (which we're sure you will want to.
Who should wear it: If you don't mind being asked "what are you wearing" most days this is for you. Or if you're searching for a new signature floral scent, that will last all night, and into the next morning.
RRP: £65 for 30ml | Notes: Mirabelle Plum, Freesia, Oak moss
A fruity floral with a touch of woodiness that adds a luxury touch to the fragrance. On first spritz, you will be met with sweet notes of plum, and then the fresh, clean jasmine, but it is plum and oak moss that lasts all day long. Making it one of the best Chypre scents, ever. And honestly, one we kind of wanted to gate keep. If you're a fan of fresh scents, you will love this.
Who should wear it: If you're going for the chic and sophisticated quiet luxury look, this one is for you.
RRP: £170 for 50ml | Notes: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Pink Grapefruit, Bamboo, Geranium, Incense, White Patchouli, Amber, Vetiver
Victoria Beckham launched three scents last year, which she created with perfumer Jerome Epinette. The artisanal fragrances are genderless, all based on Beckham's memories, with each fragrance based on different moments in her life. Portofino '97 is based on her first trip with her husband, a scent reminiscent of a new romance. With notes of vetiver and incense, it's a strong scent, but in true VB fashion, it is entirely unique and unlike anything else we've smelt.
Who should wear it: If you're looking for a seductive scent or just want to smell the same as posh spice.
RRP: £89 for 50ml | Notes: Rhubarb, Daffodil, Almond Milk, Cashmeran
Inspired by Marc Jacobs's personal mantra, "I am perfect as I am", this is the perfect everyday scent for a subtle floral fragrance that is clean and fresh but not overpowering. For the days you want to just be you, not the scent. The almond milk heart note offers a fresh, skin-like scent that is so comforting you will forget you're wearing perfume at all. The playful bottle makes this a great gift too.
Who should wear it: If you're looking for a fresh fragrance to wear during the day or on the days you want to save you're luxury scent for the evening, this is a great choice for a comforting every day scent.
RRP: £340 for 70ml | Notes: Jasmine, Saffron, Amberwood, Fir Resin, Cedar
You must have noticed this fragrance going viral in recent years. With over 600 million views on TikTok alone, it was sold out for months in 2022. It was first launched in 2016 and is inspired by a scarlet red crystal (hence the gorgeous bottle), with woody, ambery, and floral notes inspired by the crystal's fusion process. The top notes of saffron give the impression of an oud fragrance on the first spritz, but then the Ambroxan comes through, providing a potent woody note. With jasmine facets, it's a truly unique formula, a scent like no other, and one of the most iconic fragrances out there.
Who should wear it: There is no quiet luxury here; this fragrance is all about loud luxury. If you don't mind spending over £300 on a scent, it's well worth the investment if you're looking for a potent but delicious fragrance.
RRP: £62 for 50ml | Notes: Pink pepper, Ambrox, Iris, Ambrette Seeds
Skin-like scents started trending last year but show no signs of slowing down in popularity. Glossier you is the only way to go if you're looking for a skin scent. Specifically formulated to enhance the smell of your skin, it is made up of mostly base notes so that your natural scent can shine through. This means it will smell a little different on everyone. But with top notes of white florals and peppercorns, there will always be a touch of warm floral that will come through on every one.
Who should wear it: If you're looking for a fragrance that smells like you but better.
RRP: £68 for 30ml | Notes: Vanilla Infusion, Lavender, Vanilla Caviar, Vanilla Absolute
Burberry Goddess is made with three vanilla notes. Collected by hand, the vanilla beans are dried for up to seven weeks and then stored longer to develop a sweet vanilla scent. The vanilla infusion has a woody note to it, with the vanilla absolute adding more richness to it, and it's the first time vanilla caviar has been used in a fragrance. Alongside the trio of vanilla, the only other note is a bright lavender that adds a floral touch to the fragrance. Plus, it's the brand's first refillable bottle (and it's a beautiful one too).
Who should wear it: If you love gourmand scents, particularly vanilla, this is for you. You will smell sweet all day long.
RRP: £40 for 14ml | Notes: Vetiver, Pomelo, Patchouli, Pomelo Zest
In 2017, Jo Malone launched the fragrance Paintbrush, the first of its kind on-the-go fragrance using a fragranced gel. Using a gel formula that dries down in seconds is excellent if you want a quick freshen-up without carrying a bottle in your bag. The pomelo scent is reminiscent of summer holidays, with freshening citrus notes, vetiver and patchouli. It includes one 7ml gel and another refillable cartridge.
Who should wear it: If you love fresh, refreshing scents and want fragrance you can use on the go.
How to choose the best perfumes for women
With so many fragrances out there, it's not always easy to learn how to choose a perfume. We've divided our list into five perfume styles to help you choose.
- Floral: Feminine with an ingredients list packed full of blooms. Great for fans of iconic floral perfumes like Givenchy L'Interdit and Marc Jacobs Daisy.
- Fresh: Citrussy, clean-smelling or with sparkly ‘aldehydic’ notes, these perfumes will suit lovers of Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche and cult-fave Bobbi Brown Beach.
- Fruity: Juicy and tasty, fruit-forward scents. If you or whoever you're buying for likes Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay or Prada Candy, they're probably a fruity perfume fan.
- Unisex: Technically, every perfume is unisex. But spicy or clean notes and gender-neutral packaging define this style. Classics include Le Labo Santal and CK One.
- Spicy: Heady and warming with woods and patchouli. The best oud perfumes come under this category and wearers of YSL Black Opium or Chanel Coco are likely to fall in love with a spicy perfume.
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